Irbid, April 28 (Petra) -- Jordan's transportation sector is witnessing a rapid shift toward electric vehicles (EVs), driven by technological advancements, increased environmental awareness, and a national effort to reduce dependence on traditional fuels.

Alongside environmental benefits, the development of smart sensing technologies in autonomous driving systems is enhancing vehicle safety by reducing human error and offering greater precision, particularly in complex urban environments.

Despite rising interest, experts in the local market identify charging infrastructure as a key challenge to broader EV adoption. While home charging is becoming more common, public charging stations remain crucial for longer journeys. To address this, partnerships with the private sector are expanding the electric vehicle charging network, particularly in areas beyond city centers.

Chairman of the Free Zones Investors Commission, MP Mohammad Al-Bustanji, told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the simplicity and environmental effectiveness of electric vehicle technology have been major incentives for their import. He noted that 72 percent of vehicles cleared through customs last year were electric, compared to 17 percent hybrid vehicles and 11 percent gasoline-powered, reflecting a strong market shift toward EVs.

Al-Bustanji emphasized that electric vehicles have gained public trust as economical and reliable options that meet diverse needs. He added that spare parts are available at affordable prices, supporting broader ownership by enabling citizens to replace older vehicles with modern electric models.

He pointed out that the government has established a comprehensive system for inspecting used vehicles, requiring checks at certified centers covering 115 inspection points. Al-Bustanji called for environmental standards aligned with local market needs and reiterated that public safety must remain the primary criterion for vehicle import and sector support.

Al-Bustanji also confirmed that spare parts for modern electric vehicles are readily available, given the simplicity of EV components. He noted that all importing companies guarantee the safety and maintenance of their vehicles. Jordan currently hosts approximately 150,000 electric vehicles and about 200 charging stations nationwide.

He highlighted that the adoption of electric vehicles significantly contributes to reducing harmful emissions, positioning Jordan among the leading countries in the region in promoting environmental sustainability through EV ownership.

However, some challenges persist. EV owner Abdul Karim Al-Ghoul noted that high spare part prices, stemming from limited availability and market monopolies, remain a concern. He pointed out significant price differences compared to international markets.

Similarly, EV owner Ali Al-Ouratani said that the high cost of spare parts does not align with the financial capacity of many citizens, discouraging some from replacing older vehicles with electric models.

President of the Irbid Chamber of Commerce, Mohammad Al-Shouha, stated that national specifications ensure the availability of spare parts and proper vehicle maintenance. He said chambers of commerce are addressing complaints regarding pricing and availability to meet citizens' needs and financial capabilities.

Al-Shouha added that stringent standards prevent the entry of vehicles that do not comply with Jordanian requirements for spare parts availability and serviceability. He assured that technical inspections and maintenance of electric vehicles are efficiently managed at centers supervised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Basem Daradkeh, a dealer specializing in electric and hybrid vehicles, affirmed that efforts are underway to ensure the continuous availability of essential technologies, spare parts, and maintenance services. He said that growing demand for electric vehicles is supported by their low maintenance costs, enhanced safety, and the expansion of the charging station network across Jordan.

//Petra// RZ

28/04/2025 09:26:41